Bengals Enter 2026 Draft Needing Defensive Reinforcements to Match Offensive Firepower
The Super Bowl may be in the rearview, but for the Cincinnati Bengals, the real work is just getting started. With the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a roster still brimming with offensive talent, Cincinnati is staring down a pivotal offseason. The mission is clear: fix the defense-or risk wasting another year of Joe Burrow’s prime.
After a 2025 season derailed by Burrow’s early injury-a severe Grade 3 turf toe suffered in Week 2-the Bengals limped to a 6-11 finish. The offense found moments of rhythm thanks to Ja'Marr Chase’s consistent dominance and a breakout year from running back Chase Brown, but the quarterback carousel behind a sidelined Burrow made sustained success elusive.
Still, the bigger issue wasn't under center-it was on the other side of the ball. The Bengals’ defense struggled across the board, ranking near the bottom of the league in most categories.
They couldn’t generate consistent pressure, couldn’t stop the run, and couldn’t hold leads. That’s not a formula for playoff football.
And after missing the postseason for a third straight year, the urgency in Cincinnati is real.
Now, with the 10th pick, the Bengals are in prime position to add a difference-maker on defense-and they’ll have options.
Edge Rusher: A Physical Freak with Untapped Potential
One of the most buzzed-about names connected to Cincinnati is Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk. At 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, Faulk looks like he was built in a lab for NFL pass rushing. He’s long, powerful, and explosive off the edge-exactly the kind of physical profile that gets scouts salivating.
The knock? He’s more traits than production at this point.
His college tape shows flashes of dominance, but the consistency just hasn’t been there yet. Still, for a Bengals front that might be losing veteran Trey Hendrickson, the idea of pairing Faulk with rising talent Shemar Stewart is tantalizing.
That duo could form one of the league’s most imposing young edge combos, giving Cincinnati the kind of pass-rushing juice they’ve sorely lacked.
Safety: A Hometown Star with All-Pro Potential
If the Bengals opt for the best player available, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is a name that keeps popping up. The local connection makes for a great story, but the appeal goes far beyond geography.
Downs is a true defensive chess piece. He’s instinctive, physical, and versatile-able to line up deep, in the box, or even cover the slot.
Scouts see him as a tone-setter, a player who elevates everyone around him. Think of the pre-draft buzz around Kyle Hamilton a few years ago, and you’re in the right ballpark.
For a Bengals secondary that’s struggled with communication and given up far too many explosive plays, Downs would bring immediate stability. Slotting him next to Jordan Battle would give Cincinnati a young, dynamic safety tandem with real upside.
Cornerback: A Position of Need with Multiple Options
Cornerback remains a major area of concern, and LSU’s Mansoor Delane is emerging as a strong candidate to be the first corner off the board. After transferring to LSU and elevating his stock, Delane has impressed with his polished coverage skills, recovery speed, and competitive edge.
Cincinnati hasn’t had a true lockdown corner in years, and Delane could be that guy. He brings the kind of skill set that can match up with the AFC’s elite receivers-something the Bengals desperately need if they’re going to contend in a conference loaded with passing firepower.
Another intriguing cornerback option is Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy. He missed the 2025 season with an ACL injury, so his draft stock hinges on medical evaluations. But his 2024 tape was outstanding-tight coverage, great instincts, and the ability to play press-man at a high level.
For a team like Cincinnati, McCoy is a calculated risk. If he returns to form, he has true CB1 potential. And at No. 10, that kind of upside is hard to ignore.
The Bottom Line: Defense or Bust
There’s always the temptation to give Burrow another weapon or to look ahead at offensive tackle. But this draft isn’t about luxury-it’s about necessity.
The Bengals’ offense, when healthy, is still built to contend. Ja’Marr Chase is a top-tier receiver.
The run game has real juice. And with Burrow back, the ceiling remains high.
But until the defense can pull its weight-until they can get stops, pressure quarterbacks, and close out games-Cincinnati’s playoff hopes will stay theoretical.
This draft is a turning point. The No. 10 pick needs to be a cornerstone, not a complementary piece. Whether it’s a freakish edge rusher, a field-general safety, or a lockdown corner, the Bengals have to find a defensive anchor who can help them turn potential into postseason wins.
Because the window is still open. But it won’t stay that way forever.